Dangerous Contaminants Found at Crime Scenes

Crime scenes are complicated cleanup projects. It’s tempting to immediately remove all traces of the incident, but moving the wrong thing can impact a criminal investigation. Bodily fluids and tissue can’t be thrown away like regular trash and are too dangerous to handle without proper training and equipment. Commercially available cleansers and equipment can’t handle this type of cleanup, and most people aren’t able to handle it emotionally.

While “crime scene cleanup” usually brings to mind a puddle of blood, there are actually several dangerous things that are commonly found at a crime scene that must be cleaned by experts with the proper training and equipment:

Forensic Residue: Crime scene investigators use a wide variety of products in the course of their investigation; you’re probably familiar with “dusting for fingerprints” from movies and TV shows. Products like these can’t be cleaned with commercially available products and equipment.

Bodily Fluids: Blood, tissue, saliva, and other bodily fluids are often found at crime scenes. These fluids can easily transmit infections and diseases including hepatitis and HIV. These items can’t be thrown away in household trash; they must be transported in special containers to licensed facilities for legal disposal. Cleanup requires special protective equipment, products, and handled by trained professionals.

Gasses: Tear gas or pepper spray is occasionally used during a crime or to force out a suspect, and long term exposure can be very harmful to your health. Remediation is best left to professionals, who can remove all traces of the gas and any residue.

If you encounter a trauma or crime scene at your home or business in Tacoma, WA, call the professionals at ServiceMaster of Tacomaat (253) 244-3355.We’ll arrive quickly and discreetly remove biohazardous materials in full compliance with all local, state, federal laws and OSHA requirements. We also work in cooperation with law enforcement to avoid jeopardizing any investigation. Our caring technicians keep in mind that this is a difficult time for people, so we treat our clients with the utmost sensitivity and respect.

Cleanup costs vary, depending on the extent of the damage to the interior. According to Whatitcosts.com, cleanup costs can range up to $600 per hour.

Expert in emergency fire and water restoration services, fire cleanup and water damage cleanup, mold removal, as well as carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Contributor to several restoration and cleaning blogs.